rn to paramedic bridge · the rn to paramedic bridge program is designed to assist the rn to...
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Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.961.5291
www.pvcc.edu/EMSpgm
Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.961.5291
www.pvcc.edu/EMSpgm
Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.961.5291
www.pvcc.edu/EMS-paramedic
Accredited by: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges 1866 Southern Lane Decatur, GA 30033-4097 404.679.4500
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 25400 US Highway 19 N., Ste 158 Clearwater, FL 33763 727.210.2360
Spring 2017
Application Deadline is October 14th, 2016
Emergency Medical Services
RN to Paramedic Bridge Career Studies Certificate
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAM INFORMATION
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Disclaimer
Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) provides its website, catalog, handbooks, printed and digital class schedules and any other printed materials or electronic media for your general guidance. PVCC does not guarantee that the information contained within them, including, but not limited to, the contents of any page that resides under the Domain Naming System (DNS) registrations of www.pvcc.edu, www.facebook.com/PiedmontVaCC, www.twitter.com/PiedmontVaCC or www.youtube.com/PVCCVIRGINIA, are up-to-date, complete and accurate. Individuals assume any risks associated with relying upon other information without checking this program’s Admission Requirements and Program Information booklet published for the year in which the student is applying for admission. Links to other materials and websites provided in these sources are also for information purposes only and do not constitute PVCC’s endorsement of products or services referenced in such materials. PVCC reserves the right to make changes to any provision or requirement within these sources, as well as changes to any curriculum or program, whether during a student's enrollment or otherwise. Hard copies of the Admission Requirements and Program Information booklets may be obtained in the Admissions and Advising Center and in the lower-level of the Keats Science Building.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Piedmont Virginia Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. PVCC does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, family medical history or genetic information, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, or any other non-merit base factor. The College also prohibits sexual harassment including sexual violence or misconduct. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding any of these policies: Human Resources Manager, 501 College Dr., Main Building, Room M810, Charlottesville, VA 22902; 434.961.6567.
Contents
Page INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………… 1 PARAMEDIC PROGRAM OBJECTIVES ………………………………………… 2 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND STANDARDS FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE …………………………………………………. 3 HEALTH STATUS ……………………………………………………………………. 4 CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG SCREENING …………………. 4 NATIONAL REGISTRY EXAM ………………………………………………………. 5 PROGRAM BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ………………………………………… 6 PREREQUISITES FOR RN TO PARAMEDIC BRIDGE PROGRAM …………. 7 CURRICULUM FOR RN TO PARAMEDIC BRIDGE PROGRAM ………………... 8 FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE AAS DEGREE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES …………………………………………… 10 FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION DECISIONS ………………………. 11 EVALUATION PROCESS ……………………………………………………………. 12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ………………………………………………. 13 RN TO PARAMEDIC BRIDGE PROGRAM ADMISSION CHECKLIST …………. 15
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Introduction
The RN to Paramedic Bridge Program is designed to assist the RN to fulfill all the requirements of the National EMS Education Standards for Paramedic. The program reviews the skills and subjects contained in the National EMS Education Standards over approximately 500 hours of instruction. All Education Standards learning objectives will be provided to the student with the understanding that although all objectives will not be directly covered in the bridge program, the student is responsible for all the knowledge and skills included in the Paramedic curriculum. The program is designed to provide quality education in all areas of pre-hospital patient care. These areas include: pre-hospital environments, preparatory skills, airway management and ventilation, patient assessment, trauma care, medical patient management, obstetrical/gynecological conditions, pediatric patients, neonatal care, psychiatric and behavioral emergencies, special considerations, and assessment based management. In Virginia, all initial Paramedic Programs are required to satisfy the testing guidelines established by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Upon successful course completion and National Registry Paramedic certification, the technician must apply for Virginia certification before being allowed to practice at this level. After receiving Virginia credentials, the Paramedic has the option to maintain National Registry Paramedic certification without affecting their Virginia certification. However, Virginia certification must be maintained in order to provide patient care at this level in this state. Information packets about the EMT-B to Paramedic AAS degree and the Intermediate to Paramedic Bridge Program are available under separate cover.
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Paramedic Program Objectives
The RN to Paramedic Bridge Program prepares graduates to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care at an advanced practice level within the bounds of standard accepted practice. The goal of all aspects of the program is to produce competent entry-level paramedics to serve in career and volunteer positions in their communities. Graduates of the program will demonstrate:
the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relative to
the role as an entry-level paramedic
technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of entry-level
paramedic
personal behaviors consistent with professional and employer standards and
expectations for an entry-level paramedic
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Essential Functions and Standards for Successful Performance
To successfully complete the classroom and clinical components of the program, the paramedic student must, either independently or with reasonable accommodation, be able to perform all of the following essential standards and functions. Students who are unable to meet these standards are not eligible for admission to the program. 1. Speech: Establish interpersonal rapport and communicate verbally and in writing with
clients, physicians, peers, family members and the health-care team from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.
2. Hearing and Comprehension: Auditory acuity sufficient to respond to verbal
instruction, perceive and interpret various equipment signals, use the telephone, understand and respond appropriately to verbal directions and hear faint body sounds.
3. Vision: Visual acuity sufficient to identify and distinguish colors, read handwritten
orders and any other handwritten or printed data such as medication records or scales, chart data and provide for the safety of clients' condition by clearly viewing monitors and other equipment in order to correctly interpret data.
4. Mobility: Stand and/or walk eight hours daily in the clinical setting. Bend, squat or
kneel. Assist in lifting or moving clients of all age groups and weights. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (move around client to manually compress chest and ventilate). Work with arms fully extended overhead. Lift 50 pounds independently and 125 pounds with assistance.
5. Manual Dexterity: Demonstrate eye/hand coordination sufficient to manipulate
equipment (syringes, infusion pumps, life support systems). 6. Fine Motor Ability: Ability to use hands for grasping, pushing, pulling and fine
manipulation. Have tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and manipulation of equipment.
7. Mentation: Ability to remain focused on multiple details and tasks for at least an eight-
hour period of time. Assimilate and apply knowledge acquired through lectures, discussions and readings.
8. Smell: Olfactory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.
9. Writing: Ability to organize thoughts and present them clearly and logically in writing.
10. Reading: Ability to read and understand written directions, instructions and comments
in both classroom and clinical settings.
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Health Status
All individuals admitted to the RN to Paramedic Bridge Program will be required to submit documentation of a complete health assessment by his/her health-care provider. This will include documentation that specific immunizations and tests have been completed. A list of these immunizations may be obtained from the Health and Life Sciences Division Office in the Keats Science Building, Room K224A.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening
All PVCC Emergency Medical Services students must complete a background check and drug screen through our vendor CastleBranch. No other processes may be substituted for this requirement. Forms and information will be provided to students upon acceptance into the program. This testing is completed through Castlebranch and all fees will be paid to them by the student. The Background Check will search for adult or child sexual offenses; adult, child or elder abuse or neglect; assault or battery; fraud; misdemeanors and felonies of any type. However, only “barrier crimes” will result in failure of the background check. (PVCC defines “barrier crimes” as crimes that would prevent a student from obtaining their license OR would prevent them from participating at a clinical site due to the clinical site’s requirements.)
A. General denial. Application for or certification of individuals convicted of certain crimes present an unreasonable risk to public health and safety. Thus, applications for certification by individuals convicted of the following crimes will be denied in all cases:
1. Felonies involving sexual misconduct where the victim's failure to affirmatively consent is an element of the crime, such as forcible rape.
2. Felonies involving the sexual or physical abuse of children, the elderly or the infirm, such as sexual misconduct with a child, making or distributing child pornography or using a child in a sexual display, incest involving a child, or assault on an elderly or infirm person.
3. Any crime in which the victim is an out-of-hospital patient or a patient or resident of a healthcare facility including abuse of, neglect of, theft from, or financial exploitation of a person entrusted to the care or protection of the
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applicant.
4. Serious crimes of violence against persons such as assault or battery with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault and battery, murder or attempted murder, manslaughter except involuntary manslaughter, kidnapping, robbery of any degree, or arson.
5. Has been subject to a permanent revocation of license or certification by another state EMS office or other recognized state or national healthcare provider licensing or certifying body.
B. Presumptive denial. Application for or current certification by individuals in the following categories will be denied except in extraordinary circumstances, and then will be granted only if the applicant or provider establishes by clear and convincing evidence that certification will not jeopardize public health and safety.
1. Application for or certification by individuals who have been convicted of any crime and who are currently incarcerated, on work release, on probation, or on parole.
2. Application for or certification by individuals convicted of crimes in the following categories unless at least five years have passed since the conviction or five years have passed since release from custodial confinement whichever occurs later:
a. Crimes involving controlled substances or synthetics, including unlawful possession or distribution or intent to distribute unlawfully Schedule I through V drugs as defined by the Virginia Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 seq. of the Code of Virginia).
b. Serious crimes against property, such as grand larceny, burglary, embezzlement, or insurance fraud.
c. Any other crime involving sexual misconduct.
3. Is currently under any disciplinary or enforcement action from another state EMS office or other recognized state or national healthcare provider licensing or certifying body. Personnel subject to these disciplinary or enforcement actions may be eligible for certification provided there have been no further disciplinary or enforcement actions for five years prior to application for certification in Virginia.
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http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+reg+12VAC5-31-910
Nothing in the above EMS Regulations precludes an EMS agency from imposing additional disqualifying factors as part of their acceptance process.
The vendor will report only whether a student clears or does not clear the background check. All reports will be returned to the Clinical Compliance Coordinator. In the event that a student is not cleared, the student must make any clarifications directly with the vendor. The student may elect to involve the Dean of Health and Life Sciences in any clarification procedures. If no suitable arrangement can be made, the student shall be administratively withdrawn from the program.
The Drug Screen tests for Amphetamine (methamphetamine), barbiturates, benzodiazepine, cocaine, marijuana, methadone, methaqualone, opiates (codeine, morphine), phencyclidine and propoxyphene.
Any of these drugs found in the student’s drug screen, will result in the student failing the drug screen. In cases of failure, CastleBranch will reach out to the student and, if the student failed due to a valid prescription, the student can send CastleBranch prescription documentation, which may result in the student passing the drug screen. However, if no prescription covers the failure, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the program.
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National Registry Exam
Successful program graduates are eligible to sit for the National Registry Paramedic Exam. Before the Program Director and Medical Director give permission to take the National Registry Paramedic Exam, students must complete the following:
Pass all core EMS courses with an 80% or better
Successfully complete all clinical hours, competencies, and team leader calls
Successfully demonstrate competency as an entry-level paramedic Upon successful completion of the written and practical portions of the exam, candidates receive their National Registry Paramedic certification. This is required prior to applying for reciprocity as a Virginia paramedic. The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services will only grant certification as a paramedic in Virginia through initial certification and reciprocity afforded through the National Registry. Permission to sit for the National Registry exam can be denied to any applicant convicted of the following offenses: 1. Fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license; 2. Unprofessional conduct; 3. Willful or repeated violation of any of the provisions of this chapter; 4. Conviction of any felony; conviction of any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; 5. Practicing in a manner contrary to the standards of ethics or in such a manner as to
make his/her practice a danger to the health and welfare of patients or to the public; 6. Use of alcohol or drugs to the extent that such use renders him/her unsafe to
practice or any mental or physical illness rendering him/her unsafe to practice; 7. The denial, revocation, suspension or restriction of a license or certificate to practice
in another state, the District of Columbia or a United States possession or territory; or
8. Abuse, negligent practice, or misappropriation of a patient’s or resident’s property.
Applicants who are in doubt about their eligibility to take the exam should contact the National Registry PRIOR TO ADMISSION to discuss their individual situation. The Program Director is available to help with this process, if necessary. The above offenses, if committed after the applicant is certified by the National Registry, may result in suspension or loss of the certification.
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Program Behavior Expectations
The RN to Paramedic Bridge Program reserves the right to refuse admission to applicants if such refusal is considered to be in the best interest of the program. The program will not accept any student who has been dismissed from another college or program due to misconduct or threatening behavior or who has been determined to be a potential threat. Students may be denied admission to the program if there is sufficient reason to believe that they present a danger to themselves, other members of the college community or clients in the clinical setting.
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RN to Paramedic Bridge Program Prerequisites
Only applicants who have completed all program prerequisites prior to October 14, 2016 will be eligible for admission. Staff will not be available to assist with submission of application
materials after 5 pm on October 14th. We strongly recommend you complete the process before October 14th. The following items must be satisfactorily completed in order to be considered for admission to the PVCC Emergency Medical Services Program. Completion of these prerequisites does not guarantee admission. 1. Current RN licensure in the state of Virginia
2. Two years’ experience as an RN (may be modified for significant past ALS
experience)
3. Current Virginia EMT-B certification
4. Current Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer CPR certification
5. Active volunteer status with an EMS agency (may be modified for significant past experience)
6. Completion of the TOEFL iBT with a standard score of 84 or above and a minimum speaking score of 26 is required for ALL nonnative English speakers. Completion of ENG 111 does not satisfy this requirement. Any nonnative English speakers who do not take the TOEFL iBT and are determined to be unable to understand and speak English at the required proficiency will be dismissed from the program.
TOEFL iBT scores are valid for up to two years.
7. ALL prerequisites must be completed and documentation received as described below no later than the application deadline of 5 pm, October 14, 2016. Late documentation will not be considered. Supporting documentation uploaded through the application [To upload documents, follow the instructions on the application site (located on the program of study page http://www.pvcc.edu/programs/emergency-medical-services). Students should upload any supporting documents which may include: EMT-B license, Virginia RN license, CPR (Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer) certification, TOEFL iBT scores.
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It is recommended that students store their supporting documents on a thumb drive for ease of uploading into the application and for any future use. These uploaded documents will be maintained only for the current application.
Students who are interested in obtaining information regarding the program may direct their questions to PVCC’s Admissions and Advising Center (434.961.5264 or 434.961.6581), the Program Director, Matthew Cathcart (434.961.5291 or [email protected]) or Clinical Coordinator, James True (434.961.5485 or [email protected]).
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Curriculum for RN to Paramedic Bridge Program
Course Number
Course Title Credits Prerequisites All listed EMS courses require
admission to the program First Semester
EMS 201 EMS Professional Development1 (fulfill the WIC requirement)
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EMS 207 Advanced Patient Assessment 3
EMS 205 Advanced Pathophysiology 4
EMS 242 ALS Clinical Internship III 1
EMS 243 ALS Field Internship II 1
Second Semester
EMS 209 Advanced Pharmacology 4
EMS 244 ALS Clinical Internship IV 1 EMS 242
EMS 245 ALS Field Internship IV 1 EMS 243
EMS 211 Operations 2
EMS 215 Registry Review 1
Total Credits 21 1EMS 201 has a prerequisite of ENG 112 or instructor permission. Progress from one semester to the next demands successful completion of all core paramedic classes with an 80% or better. Clinical and Field internship classes must be completed with a Passing grade.
A MINIMUM of 88 total clinical hours is required. The following are the MINIMUM hours
for each of the required areas excluding field internships:
OR/PACU – 16 hours
Intensive Care Units – 16 hours
Labor &Delivery – 16 hours
Pediatrics – 16 hours
Emergency Department - 24 hours
Please note that more hours will be required in one or more of these areas to meet the mandatory competencies. These minimum requirements cannot be waived regardless of the student’s current or previous experience. In order to receive credit for Intermediate level competencies, skills, and assessments, students must provide documentation of all clinical hours, competencies, skills, and assessments performed. These can be within the bounds of an accredited EMS
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education program, or they can be from patient encounters. All must be verified by proper written documentation: for example, a PPCR completed by the student, a clinical assessment form from an accredited program or a letter from the director of an accredited program. Credit can only be given on items that occurred in the two years prior to the start of the RN to Paramedic program. Any Intermediate level competencies which cannot be satisfactorily documented will have to be completed within the bounds of this program. If the program accepts previous competency documentation and no further competency contacts are required based on the curriculum, the student must still demonstrate current competency in that skill during the bridge program. The Program Director and Medical Director reserve the final right to accept or deny any previous competencies, or to require students to complete additional hours and assessments in order to assure student competence. Successful completion of the program will be determined by producing a competent field provider not simply by the completion of a certain number of clinical or field hours. There are several variables that may play a significant role in the required number of lab, clinical and field internship hours since documented previous experiences and the aggressiveness of the candidate to complete their competencies and field leader activities will dictate the timeframe for this program.
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For Students Interested in the AAS Degree in Emergency Medical Services
Once a student has completed the RN to Paramedic Bridge Program and has received NREMT-P certification, only the following courses must be completed to obtain the AAS degree in Emergency Medical Services. These courses may be transferred from other colleges or taken at PVCC.
ENG 111
ENG 112
SDV 100/101/108 (can be waived if student has previous college degree)
ITE 119
BIO 145 or Equivalent A&P
Three semester hours of Social Science elective*
Three semester hours of Humanities Elective* *Lists of courses that fulfill the requirement for the Social Science Elective and Humanities Elective can be found on PVCC’s Web site (http://www.pvcc.edu/docs/approved_electives.pdf). Introductory (101 or 102 level) foreign language courses will not meet the Humanities Elective requirement for this program.
Notes:
Students who apply for the AAS degree must complete 18 semester hours (25%) of course work in residency at PVCC with a minimum GPA of 2.0.
If this is a second degree from PVCC, the student will need an additional 12 credits.
The Dean of Health and Life Sciences has final approval on awarding advanced placement credits and waivers.
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Factors Considered for Admission Decisions
Applicants must submit all official documentation and demonstrate minimum requirements for consideration by the posted deadline to be considered for acceptance. Coursework in progress at time of deadline will not be considered during the application process. Students meeting all of the minimum requirements for admission are not guaranteed acceptance. Priority for admission is given to highly qualified students who are residents of the PVCC service region (Albemarle, Buckingham, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson). All applicants are highly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor available in PVCC’s Admissions and Advising Center in the Main Building on weekdays and the Paramedic Program Director prior to applying for admission.
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Evaluation Process
1. Paramedic Program applicants complete online RN to Paramedic program application and complete all required prerequisites prior to October 7th deadline. Applications or documentation received after the deadline will not be considered. THIS PROGRAM APPLICATION IS IN ADDITION TO THE PVCC COLLEGE APPLICATION.
2. The Program Director conducts a preliminary screening of all applicants to determine those who have met the minimum prerequisites and thus are eligible for admission.
3. Applicants will be accepted, placed on the waiting list, or not accepted. Notification of status will be emailed to students’ VCCS email address on October 28, 2016. Letters to all applicants will be mailed the week of October 31, 2016.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
The RN to Paramedic Program curriculum can be completed within a one-year period.
2. AM I A PARAMEDIC WHEN I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
No. Once you have completed the paramedic course of study you are eligible to take the National Registry Paramedic Examination. Upon passing this examination, you are issued credentials through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. These credentials can be used to apply for reciprocity with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Health, Office of Emergency Medical Services. Other states may have different procedures. If you are considering practicing as a paramedic in another state, you will have to check with that state regarding legal recognition and reciprocity with the National Registry.
3. WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED IN THE PARAMEDIC PROGRAM?
Books: $410 Supplies: $285 Health Screening: $100-$500 (depending on health care
provider and immunizations required)
Background Check/Drug Screen: $112 FISDAP $130 Certification exam $150
Students are also responsible for obtaining ACLS, PALS and ITLS or PHTLS, scheduled outside of the regular curriculum.
4. WHAT ARE THE CLINICAL SITES FOR THE PROGRAM?
Clinical rotations can be completed at the University of Virginia Health System, Martha Jefferson Hospital, Augusta Medical Center, Rockingham Memorial Hospital and Culpeper Regional Hospital. Field rotations can be completed at any of approximately 20 agencies in the Central Virginia area. Other facilities and agencies may be added at student or agency request. STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO ATTEND CLINICAL SITES THAT MAY BE OUTSIDE OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE/ALBEMARLE AREA.
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5. IF I AM TRANSFERRING FROM ANOTHER PARAMEDIC PROGRAM, CAN I GET CREDIT FOR SOME OF THE PARAMEDIC COURSES?
Yes. After official transcripts have been received by the Office of Admissions and Records and you have made written request to the registrar for transcript analysis, make an appointment with the Paramedic Program Director. The Program Director and Division Dean will evaluate paramedic coursework taken elsewhere. You may be asked to provide faculty with course outlines or syllabi in order to determine what work may transfer. You will also need to provide documentation of any clinical or field hours, skills, competencies and assessments completed.
6. IS THERE FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE TO PARAMEDIC STUDENTS?
Yes. There are a number of financial aid opportunities. Some of these require enrollment in 12 semester hours each term. This should be considered as you plan your schedule. For further information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 434.961.6545 at your earliest convenience. It is best to complete your financial aid application by March 31 for the following fall semester. There is also a paramedic scholarship available; more information will be provided by the Program Director after admission to the program. The following link will provide you with more information regarding financial aid at PVCC.
7. SHOULD I BELONG TO A LOCAL EMS AGENCY WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?
Membership in one of the many outstanding EMS agencies in this area is strongly recommended. Exposure to patients in the field will help reinforce all that the student is learning in the classroom. Occasionally, agencies will also assist with the financial burden of the Paramedic Program in exchange for continued service after graduation.
8. HOW IMPORTANT IS PRIOR EXPERIENCE?
Only a strong EMT will grow into a strong paramedic. Therefore, it is highly recommended that candidates accumulate 9-12 months of active service with an EMS agency prior to applying to the Paramedic Program. This also helps to solidify in the student’s mind that paramedicine is indeed the best career path for them.
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RN to Paramedic Program Admission Checklist
PREREQUISITES Ways prerequisites
can be met How did you meet
prerequisite?
Current Virginia RN License Copy of license
Current Virginia EMT-B certification
Certification document
Current Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer CPR certification
Certification document
Application Requirement How Met? Completed?
Complete PVCC Application http://www.pvcc.edu/admissions/apply-now
Online Application
Complete EMS AAS Program Application www.pvcc.edu/hlsapplication
Online Application
If non-native English speaker, include copy of results of TOEFL iBT in upload of supporting documents. (TOEFL iBT scores are
valid for up to two years.)
To find test site, go to TOEFL iBT web site at: http://www.ets.org/bin/getprogram.cgi?test=toefl
In the online application, upload supporting documents (used to document prerequisites), such as: - RN license - EMT-B certification - CPR (Healthcare Provider or Professional Rescuer certification - TOEFL iBT scores (if required) For instructions on how to upload your supporting documents, please check the application site.
Obtain any required documents and upload in application.